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Rathje running for senate

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By Ed Tibbetts | Wednesday, March 7, 2007 1:03 AM CST | () comments

QUAD-CITY TIMES

Introducing himself as “the” candidate for U.S. Senate next year, Steve Rathje, a Cedar Rapids businessman, formally declared his campaign for the Republican nomination Tuesday.

If he succeeds, he’ll challenge U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. Harkin hasn’t said whether he’ll run for a fifth term, but he’s expected to do so.

Rathje, on a statewide announcement tour, stopped for brief remarks at the Davenport Municipal Airport. He said he’s not a professional politician, just an “honest and hard-working man.”

He didn’t mention Harkin and only brought up two issues, calling the war on terror and immigration key concerns.

Afterward, in an interview, Rathje, 51, said he opposes illegal immigration and moves to create a path to citizenship for people in the country illegally now.

He also praised President Bush’s performance on the Iraq War.

“Under the conditions he’s been under, with a hostile Congress, a hostile Senate, he’s done a phenomenal job,” he said.

Rathje (pronounced Rah-Chee) is the only Republican thus far to show an interest in running against Harkin, who has been in the Senate since 1985.

He filed candidacy papers more than a year ago and has traveled the state since, meeting with activists and party leaders.

Still, he isn’t well-known to the broader public and there has been speculation that someone better known might mount a bid.

Much of that talk has centered on U.S. Rep. Steve King, a Republican from western Iowa. King is a favorite with conservatives but hasn’t shown any signs yet that he’s running.

Rathje dismissed the idea that another congressman could win. Three already have lost to Harkin.

“There is no doubt in my mind history will repeat itself if given the opportunity,” he said.

He added Republicans are taking his candidacy seriously, pointing to the attendance of Leon Mosley, co-chair of the Republican Party of Iowa, at his announcement.

He chalked up doubts about his candidacy to the media. “One day their eyes will be opened,” he said.

Ed Tibbetts can be contacted at (563) 383-2327 or etibbetts@qctimes.com.